Arsenal could pounce for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling in January in a potential deal involving Alexis Sanchez, according to The Mirror.

What's the story?

The rumour initially emerged on a frantic transfer deadline day, but in the end, both players stayed at their respective clubs.

The Mirror claims that Arsenal felt as though City were prepared to sell Sterling, but manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that the former Liverpool star was not for sale.

The two-time Premier League champions were unable to get a deal over the line for Sanchez, but with the Chilean's contract ending next summer, a transfer may not be completely dead.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of Sterling and could make a move when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Frenchman is expected to look for replacements for Sanchez, who will be free to talk to potential suitors in four months' time.

Should Arsenal sell in January?

Financially, it makes sense for the Gunners to let go of Sanchez in the winter window as he can leave for free at the end of the season.

However, the 28-year-old is one of Wenger's best players and if he is in particularly strong from at that time, from a footballing point of view, it would be detrimental to sell him.

The January transfer market is an awkward one, and it is generally used by clubs who need cover in certain areas.

Allowing a player of Sanchez's calibre to leave the Emirates without an opportunity to find a world-class replacement would be amateur conduct from Arsenal.

On the flip side, there may not be many clubs who will want to secure a deal in January when they know that Sanchez will be available for free in the summer.

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